Please read 2 Timothy 4:19-22; Hebrews chapter 1, 2, and 3; and Hebrews 4:1-13.  Lots going on today!  What are you learning, what is your highlight?  Come on back and let’s visit!

“make every effort to come before winter” 2 Timothy 4:21

It’s unusual for Paul to show emotion about himself. Really, brings me to tears. He’s alone, he’s imprisoned, and implores Timothy to “come before winter”: a gray and cold time. He’s looking for comfort. I feel this way too, sometimes. Can you also relate?

The Lord speaks to us in many and varied ways: through times and prophets (Hebrews 1:1), angels (1:7), words (2:2-3), miracles and gifts (2:4)…. It’s vital that we stay sensitive and open to the Holy Spirit.

LOTS of OT references today – did you catch them?
Hebrews 1:1 – Psalm 21:7
Hebrews 1:9 – Psalm 46:6-7
Hebrews 2:6-8 – Psalm 8:3-5
Hebrews 2:12 – Psalm 22:2
Hebrews 2:13 – 2 Samuel 22:3, Isaiah 2:7
Hebrews 3:7 – Psalm 95:7-11

So important to see the Bible as a whole!

Please read 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Timothy 4:1-18.  15 days to go – this is CRAZY! You’re doing GREAT! Is this your first time all the way through, or have you done this before?  Has reading the Bible in Chronological order changed the way you view the Word as a whole?  Come on back and let’s visit – I’m “bullet point” style again today!

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4

There will be warfare, make no mistake. We don’t have time to be distracted. The Amplified translation says that as soldier doesn’t have time to get involved in “ordinary business” and that he “avoids” them. Major on the majors.

“if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:20-22

To be used by the Lord, flee from impurity. We talked about this the other day: we don’t just stop one thing, we stop one and start another; the Lord always shows us a better way.

“that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” 2 Timothy 2:26

God has a plan for your life, but so does Satan. Be so full of the Word and so guided by the Holy Spirit that you cannot be distracted or disillusioned.

Let”s highlight this one in the Amplified: “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]” 2 Timothy 3:16

As all Scripture is given for reproof, we must commit to seeking the Word until we know we have the answer.

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” 2 Timothy 4:17

Remember that? we were there with Paul when he received the word that the Lord stood with him (Acts 23:11)!

Please read 1 Timothy 6:11-21, Titus in its entirety (don’t worry, it’s only 3 chapters) and 2 Timothy 1. We finish 1 Timothy today, we finish Titus today – we’re knocking out the New Testament!  What’s your highlight today?  When you’ve read these few chapters, come on back and let’s visit for a minute!

“some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” 1 Timothy 6:10-11 NKJV

What do we do in the midst of all these challenges?  We flee from them, in pursuit of the Holy Spirit (we never stop one thing without replacing it with another – God offers a better way every time!). We guard what has been placed in our trust.  We do not stray.  We do not trust in false knowledge.  We fight.  You see what is your responsibility – do you see what is not your responsibility?  God does not command us to win, because victory belongs to Him (phew, really takes the pressure off!).  You do your best, leave the results to the Lord.

“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you” Titus 2:7-8

You cannot control what other people say – but you can control your own actions/speech/behaviors.  Live in a way that doesn’t give others an opportunity to speak evil of you.

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

Don’t speak evil of others (don’t even take the opportunity to do so!).

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

BUT (sometimes that’s a great little word!) when kindness and love appeared, amen. Kindness and love ought to show up when we show up too.

Please read 1 Timothy 3, 4, 5, and 6:1-10.  All in one place!  What are you learning today?  Even the familiar passages are so important to re-visit.  It’s a surprise every day – how the Bible can seem new every time we open.  What did you circle in your reading today?  Come on back and let’s visit!

“

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

 1 Timothy 3:16

And there it is – how about Paul, getting straight to the bottom line?  The Gospel is simple, accessible to all.  Let’s not present this as complicated.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” 1 Timothy 4:1

People will turn away, so don’t be surprised or discouraged by these things. It is disheartening, heartbreaking even, to see people of faith fail.  Seems as if we see it happen more and more…. However, regardless of the choices of others: you stay faithful, you make your progress evident, you move forward- even as others move forward. You can grow spiritually without judgement on the progress of others – that is a sign of maturity. Concern yourself with God’s judgement of you. Can we just highlight this entire chapter?

“For we brought nothing into this world, ^[a]and it is certain we can carry nothing out” 1 Timothy 6:7

I relate 1 Timothy 6:7 to Exodus 20:17: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Focus on what is important.  Choose the best part. Even under grace, we still have to follow the law. Jesus fulfilled the law – He did not nullify it.

Please read James 4 and 5, 1 Timothy 1 and 2. Can you believe how close we are to the end?  Another book completed today – we are finishing James.  What stands out to you today?  Read and come on back!

“friendship with the world is enmity with God” James 4:4

James gets straight to the point – remind you of anyone? Remember that Jesus is James’ brother, they were raised together. Jesus said it this way: “No one can serve two masters” (Luke 16:13). It may seem harsh, but please consider His character: “He gives more grace” (James 4:6).

“be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” James 5:7-8

Let’s look at a couple of words (my Strong’s concordance is another favorite!):  in 5:7, the word patient is translated from the greek is “makothumia“.  This references patience with people.  In 5:8, the word patience is translated from the greek “huppomone“.  This word references patience with circumstances.  That about covers it all, doesn’t it?

“the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” 1 Timothy 1:14

Grace, faith and love are gifts to us from Jesus – and

“we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and ^[b]reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” 1 Timothy 2:2-3

when we respond by living quiet, peaceable, godly and reverent – that’s our gift back to Him!

James 1, 2, 3. James is one of my favorites! Surprisingly, we’ll get through it in just 2 days – I don’t know how we’ll do it! This is James, the brother of Jesus. He was an important figure in our history – you might remember him presiding over the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 (wish we had time for a history lesson!)  Let’s go bullet-point style again. What’s your highlight? There’s ALOT here – let’s share!

The sin is not feeling temptation – giving in to temptation is the sin.  Our response to temptation must be immediate and decisive. Do not allow temptation to become fascination or wonder, do not entertain it.

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” James 1:21

I relate this to Ezekiel 33:32: “Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them”. The implanted word is powerful, able to save your souls – this should be taken seriously, not allowed to become entertainment.

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” James 2:13

Do you remember when Moses refused to go further without the Lord’s presence, even though God offered to send an angel? (Click here for a reminder) Mercy triumphs, amen!

Please read Philippians 2:12-30, Philippians chapters 3 and 4.  All in one place!  Come on back after you read, and let’s share some highlights.  What is one thing you are learning today?

“Do all things without  complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast the word of life” Philippians 2:14-16

2:14-16 is our job description! Can I give you a little “extra credit work” today? (Just teasing!) Take a second and look up 3:7 in the NLT, and highlight 3:12 in the Amplified.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13

I like a little word study: 3:13 about forgetting. Forgetting here means to lose into oblivion, no longer care for, never re-visit, neglect. Imagine if you honestly took your past and lost it into oblivion, neglected, stopped even considering those things in the past – couldn’t we take a deep breath and move forward more easily? (It’s possible!)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

4:4-7 Some people never see God work because they never ask. Pray in everything. Prayer will make us sensitive to the things of God.  When we are aware that God is at work, a peace comes over our minds.  What a gift!

Please read Philemon Philemon 1, Philippians 1 and Phillippins 2:1-11. The plea for Onesimus is interesting to me. This letter is addressed to a person, not a city (like Paul’s other letters). Philemon is a leader in the church at Colossae. The purpose of the letter was to encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother.  What did you learn as you read today?

“confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6

I relate 1:6 to Psalm 138:8 and Isaiah 43:22-25. God always finishes what He begins.

“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back” Phili 1:10-12

Onesimus was a slave. He ran away, he received the Gospel, he becomes a son, and came to be a great blessing. We can relate to this, can’t we? Sounds similar to our own stories!

“I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ” Philippans 1:12-13

Paul agains warns the believers not to be offended because of his trials. Its good advice for us as well: don’t adopt an offense. Pauls also reiterates the fact that there will be suffering (1:29-30), but mercifully, we have the victory!

Please read Colossians 1:24-29, Colossians chapters 2, 3, and 4.  So much here, I can’t get all my thoughts into a little blog post!  What are you thinking about as you read today?

Paul is always praying that people would have understanding, but also he shows them practical ways to do it.

“I rejoice in my sufferings” Colossians 1:24

Paul is rejoicing in his trials!  The Colossians need not be offended at the Word. Please take Paul’s advice in your own life today – do not take upon offense that isn’t yours.  Live at peace.

The mystery has now been revealed (1:26) and now we are complete in Him (2:10). Doesn’t it follow that we are incomplete without Him?

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV

We can put on love, because it is a choice.

I have always loved Colossians 3:23-24.  Work heartily as unto the Lord, not unto men.  The best advice!

Colossians 4:5 is worth a peek into the NIV translation! 🙂

Please read Ephesians 5:15-33, Ephesians 6, and Colossians 1:1-23. Lots of things stand out to me today – what’s your highlight?  Read, take it in, and let’s share!

Let’s do some bullets today:

Ephesians 5:18 – “be filled”, the filling is continual, not a one time deal.  I wish I had time to stay on the word “be”.  I think “being” is more important to God than “doing“.  What a gift to be able to slow down and be in His presence.

Ephesians 6 is familiar, the whole armor of God. Paul emphasizes the shield of faith: put on the shield of faith “above all” because its so important.  If the devil can shake your faith, he can shake you.

I notice that with the armor of God, everything is covered except our back.  Where is our rear guard?  I am remembering back to Isaiah 58:8, “the glory of God shall be your rear guard”. I think its not described in the full armor of God because the glory (the presence) of God is not something we can “put on”, its a gift to be received: we don’t put it on, we put Him in.

“He is the image of the invisible God” Colossians 1:15 – because we can see Jesus, we can see God.  Jesus is the very image of God!

Colossians 1:21-23 – because we are reconciled with God, we must also reconcile with others. Restoration and reconciliation is a priority to the Lord.  What is important to Him ought to be important to us!